Teen's charity work hailed

John Paul College student Kimberley Burr was the winner of the Youth Community Spirit Award. Photo/Ben Fraser

A dedicated John Paul College student has been recognised by her school and community at the Trustpower Rotorua District Community Awards ceremony.

Kimberley Burr was last night named the winner of the Youth Community Spirit award for her unwavering commitment to a variety of projects at her school and in the community.

The Youth Community Spirit Award celebrates the work young people do to enrich their community.

Kimberley led her school's 40-hour famine effort and is one of two La Sallian captains helping co-ordinate community projects at school to raise funds for local charities.

The busy teenager also leads the student volunteers for the breakfast club at Sunset Primary, helped clean out rubbish in the Utuhina River, coaches three badminton teams, organises lunchtime activities for students and supports local charities with annual appeals.

Kimberley said she wasn't burdened by the work she did: "It's all about prioritising. I have a good environment around me and I have plenty of time for school, work and socialising, as well as the volunteer work I do."

Kimberley said she loved helping people and everybody should have a taste of volunteering.

"It's an easy thing to do and doesn't take up as much time as people think; if you can do it, you should."

Kimberley received a trophy, framed certificate and $500 prizemoney, with $250 being given to a community group or organisation of her choice.

The runner-up for this award was Pragnesh Moraji from Rotorua Boys' High School, and finalists were Hannah Bailey from Rotorua Lakes High School, Stephen Wright from Western Heights High School, Jazmin Henare from Rotorua Girls' High School and Alexandra Hill from Rotorua Girls' High School.